When people think of design, an object or an end result typically comes to mind but design in its most effective form is a process, an action that people actively participate in to create something new. It’s through design thinking that people think outside the box, solve problems and discover new opportunities. Design thinking can be the foundation for driving a brand or business forward.
The four key elements of design thinking include 1) defining the problem 2) creating and considering many options. 3) Refine selected directions 4) Picking the winner and executing. Step 1 involves defining the right problem to solve. This may take a team to define the opportunity and revise it before beginning the creation and execution process. One needs to observe what people do rather than what they tell you they do. The right problem needs to be targeted and then the problem needs to be framed in a way that invites creative solutions. During step 2 many solutions need to be created and each should be judged equally as possible answers. Looking at a problem from different perspectives will always yield richer results, hence why the design thinking process is a team effort rather an individual one. Step 3 involves giving room for new ideas to grow organically and not be influenced by previous experiences. It means creating an environment that encourages trial and error to achieve extraordinary results. Lastly, step 4 involves committing resources to achieve the objectives. Other unique ideas and strategies may surface as a result. Testing may become critical and intense during this stage but at the end, the problem should be solved, or a new opportunity uncovered.
Reference:
Fast Company Staff. “Design Thinking… What Is That?” Fast Company, Fast Company, 5 Apr. 2015, www.fastcompany.com/919258/design-thinking-what.
Leave a Reply